Method of making a composition and the uses thereof in removing or dissolving a contaminant from an environment

ABSTRACT

A composition which is effective in removing a wide variety of contaminants, such as organic compounds, from a wide variety of environments, such as printing systems, is provided. A process of preparing such composition includes contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. The process can additionally include contacting with one or more additional components such as isopropyl alcohol.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from provisional U.S. application Ser.No. 60/223,064 filed Aug. 4, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a The invention relates to a method of making a composition and aproduct from such method wherein such composition is effective inreducing the concentration of a contaminant in an environment.

It is known that various processes used to produce printed materialssuch as printing processes and lithography processes utilize variousmachinery that contain several parts such as rollers, apparatus tocontain and move fluids (such as hoses and trays), and other movingparts (such as gears and the like). Such machinery becomes contaminatedwith various contaminants, such as organic deposits, calcium deposits,bacteria, fungi, and additional residue created from the use of variousorganic-based inks and printing production fluids known in the art.Great difficulty is encountered in attempting to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove, such contaminants from the variousparts of the machinery due, in part, to the difficulty in accessing theinternal parts of such machinery.

In addition, when such contaminant residue is not removed on aconsistent basis, it is known that such residue can accumulate andharden over time creating a residue which is difficult to remove and cancause undesirable chemical reactions to occur in the various processes.Processes used in the past to remove such residue have includedmechanical removal that requires disassembling the machinery to accessparts that contain such residue and then removing such residue bymechanical methods such as by hammering, chiseling, and the like. Suchmechanical methods require significant downtime of the machinery andinvolve increased risk to the equipment and the personnel involved withremoving such residue.

It is also known that various methods for removing such residue, otherthan mechanical methods, usually involve the use of fluids such asvarious solvents and surfactants. However, such solvents and surfactantsdo not completely remove such residue. Further, when such solvents andsurfactants do not completely remove such residue, such residue beginsto accumulate as discussed above. Thus, a composition and process ofusing such composition for removing contaminants from machinery such asprinting and lithography equipment that does not require mechanicalmethods of removing such residue, provides for a substantially completeremoval of such residue, and helps to prevent the accumulation of suchresidue, would be of significant contribution to the art and to theeconomy.

It is also known that various industrial processes used to produce goodsutilize various systems, such as packaging systems, flexographicsystems, food processing systems, bleaching systems, metallurgy systems,acid washing systems, veterinary product systems, pesticide systems,meat processing systems, poultry processing systems, dairy processingsystems, sanitizing systems, and the like and combinations thereof,which contain several parts such as gears, rollers, and the like. Suchparts can become contaminated with various contaminants such as organicand calcium deposits, calcium and starch-based glues, and the like andcombinations thereof. Various compositions known to reduce theconcentration of, or remove, such contaminants utilize compositionswhich are difficult to dispose of due to environmental regulations andcan present significant safety hazards. Thus, a composition, useful forremoving such contaminants from such systems, which is non-toxic, easyto prepare, and capable of being disposed of without costly disposalprocedures would also be of significant contribution to the art and tothe economy.

It is also known that various industrial processes used to produce goodssuch as paper and pulp products utilize various water-containingsystems. Such water-containing systems are also found in variousprinting systems, water treating systems, drainage systems, boilersystems, chiller systems, and the like. Use of such water-containingsystems presents several problems relating to the fouling of suchwater-containing systems with various contaminants such as scale, algae,fungi, bacteria, surfactants, various organic compounds, and the like.The contaminants can foul such water-containing systems to such anextent that such water-containing systems require extensive cleaning toremove such contaminants, which results in a decrease in production ofgoods.

Various known compositions that can be used for reducing theconcentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, such contaminantsfrom such water-containing systems frequently utilize chlorine. However,use of such chlorine-based compositions present various environmentaland safety hazards and further, disposal of such products produced usingsuch chlorine-based compositions requires close environmental scrutinyand regulation. In addition, such chlorine-based compositions arefrequently utilized in gaseous form which requires extensive safety andtraining procedures to be utilized. Thus, a composition, useful forremoving or dissolving one or more contaminants from an environment thatcontains water-based systems, which is non-toxic, inexpensive, and easyto prepare and use would be of significant value to the art and to theeconomy.

In addition, compositions, useful in reducing the concentration of,preferably removing or dissolving, contaminants from an environment,which contain more than one component commonly require one of thecomponents to be added to the environment first, followed by theaddition of a second component. The two components must then react “insitu” to thereby provide a composition that can remove or dissolve thecontaminants contained within the environment. Such compositions can bedifficult to use due to the difficulty in determining how much of eachcomponent of the composition should be added. Thus, a composition usefulin reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving,contaminants from an environment and that can be prepared “ex situ” invarious concentrations, which can then be added to an environment toremove or dissolve contaminants would be of significant contribution tothe art and to the economy.

In addition, a composition useful in reducing the concentration of,preferably removing or dissolving, contaminants from an environmentwhich is prepared from easily accessible components and which can beprepared by a simple procedure utilizing a minimum of preparationapparatus would also be of significant contribution to the art and tothe economy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a process for preparinga composition which is useful for reducing the concentration of,preferably removing or dissolving, one or more contaminants from anenvironment. Such process utilizes components which are inexpensive touse and easy to prepare. Another object of the present invention is toprovide a process for preparing a composition which utilizes a simpleand effective method which provides a composition having desirableproperties such as enhanced capabilities for reducing the concentrationof, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant from an environmentwhen compared to a composition prepared by other methods.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improvedprocess of reducing the concentration of, preferably removing ordissolving, a contaminant from an environment.

An embodiment of the present invention is a novel composition preparedby a process comprising contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid(also referred to as hydroxy acetic acid), and water.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a process of preparing anovel composition comprising contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolicacid, and water. The process can further comprise contacting with one ormore additional components such as isopropyl alcohol.

A novel composition of the present invention can be used for reducingthe concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a wide varietyof contaminants from a wide variety of environments. Such contaminantscan include Groups II-VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements, algae,fungi, bacteria, surfactants, natural gums, synthetic gums, organiccompounds, paper fillers, paper filters, clays, sulfites, sulfates,oxides, adhesives, starches, and the like and combinations thereof. Suchenvironments can include water-containing systems, paper producingsystems, pulp producing systems, printing systems, packaging systems,flexographic systems, food processing systems, bleaching systems,metallurgy systems, acid washing systems, veterinary product systems,pesticide systems, meat processing systems, poultry processing systems,dairy processing systems, sanitizing systems, and the like andcombinations thereof. Such water-containing systems can include swimmingpools, water treating systems, drainage systems, boiler systems, chillersystems, sewage treating systems, irrigation systems, agriculturesystems, cooling tower systems, and the like and combinations thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description of the invention and the appendedclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has been discovered that the performance of a composition whenreducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, one ormore contaminants from an environment can be improved by utilizing anovel process of preparing such composition which comprises contactinghydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid.

Generally, a process of preparing a composition of the present inventioncomprises contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. Thehydrogen peroxide is generally present as a hydrogen peroxide solutioncomprising hydrogen peroxide and water. Such hydrogen peroxide solutiongenerally comprises at least about 0.1 weight percent hydrogen peroxidein water and at most about 20 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water,preferably at least about 0.5 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in waterand at most about 15 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water, and morepreferably at least about 1 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in waterand at most about 15 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water. Anexample hydrogen peroxide solution which can be used in a process of thepresent invention can be prepared by adding a stabilizing amount ofwater to a commercially available 35 weight percent technical gradesolution of hydrogen peroxide in water from FMC Corporation,Philadelphia, Pa., to thereby obtain a hydrogen peroxide solutionsuitable for use in a process of the present invention.

The water suitable for use in a process of the present invention ispreferably a low solids water generally comprising less than about 10parts per million (ppm) dissolved solids, preferably less than about 5ppm dissolved solids, more preferably less than about 1 ppm dissolvedsolids, and most preferably about 0 ppm dissolved solids. An example lowsolids water which can be used in a process of the present invention canbe obtained commercially from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Tex., which is a lowsolids water produced by reverse osmosis having less than about 0.1 ppmdissolved solids.

The water, preferably low solids water, can be prepared by any suitablemeans known in the art for preparing water which can be used in aprocess of the present invention. Generally, the low solids water can beprepared by subjecting a high solids water to a treating means selectedfrom the group consisting of reverse osmosis, deionization, and the likeand combinations thereof. The high solids water generally comprises moredissolved solids than the low solids water. Generally, the high solidswater comprises more than about 200 ppm of dissolved solids.

Generally, water is present in a stabilizing amount which allows for thecontacting of hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid according a process asdescribed herein. Generally, a stabilizing amount of water as describedherein should be large enough to prevent an uncontrollable orunpredictable reaction between the hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acidwhich can occur in a non-dilute environment as known in the art.However, a stabilizing amount of water as described herein should besmall enough to prevent the resulting composition from being so dilutethat such resulting composition no longer has the ability to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, a contaminant from anenvironment as described herein. Thus, a novel aspect of the presentinvention is the presence of a stabilizing amount of water, preferablylow solids water, which is large enough to allow the contacting of suchhydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid in a predictable and controllablemanner, yet, is small enough to prevent a significant dilution of theresulting composition so that such composition is effective in reducingthe concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminantfrom an environment as described herein.

Generally, a stabilizing amount of water, preferably low solids water,is present in an amount of at least about 50 percent by weight waterbased on the total weight of the hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, andwater, and at most about 99.9 percent by weight water based on the totalweight of the hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. Preferably, astabilizing amount of water is present in an amount of at least about 60percent by weight water based on the total weight of the hydrogenperoxide, glycolic acid, and water, and at most about 97 percent byweight, and more preferably a stabilizing amount of water is present inan amount of at least about 70 percent by weight water based on thetotal weight of the hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water, and atmost about 95 percent by weight water based on the total weight of thehydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water.

The glycolic acid is preferably a glycolic acid solution comprisingglycolic acid and water. Such glycolic acid solution generally comprisesat least about 1 weight percent glycolic acid and at most about 15weight percent glycolic acid, preferably at least about 1 weight percentglycolic acid and at most about 10 weight percent glycolic acid, andmore preferably comprises at least about 1 weight percent glycolic acidand at most about 5 weight percent glycolic acid. An example glycolicacid solution which can be used in a process of the present inventioncan be obtained by adding low solids water as described herein to acommercially available 70 weight percent technical grade solution ofglycolic acid obtained from DuPont Chemical, Wilmington, Del., tothereby obtain a 5 weight percent glycolic acid solution.

The hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water can be contacted by anysuitable means and in any suitable order which provides for acomposition of the present invention effective in reducing theconcentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant froman environment. Preferably, such contacting comprises mixing utilizingany suitable. mixing means known in the art for mixing an aqueoussolution with another aqueous solution. More preferably, a hydrogenperoxide solution as described herein is mixed with a glycolic acidsolution as described herein. During contacting, the weight ratio ofhydrogen peroxide to glycolic acid is generally at least about 1:1 andat most about 30:1, preferably at least about 2:1 and at most about20:1, more preferably at least about 2:1 and at most about 10:1, andmost preferably at least about 2:1 and at most about 6:1.

The temperature during contacting of the hydrogen peroxide, glycolicacid, and water, preferably during the contacting of the hydrogenperoxide solution and glycolic acid solution, can be any temperaturewhich provides a composition effective in reducing the concentration of,preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant from the environment asdescribed herein. Generally, the temperature during contacting is atleast about 0° F. and at most about 100° F., preferably at least about10° F. and at most about 90° F., and more preferably at least about 20°F. and at most about 80° F. The pressure during contacting can be anypressure o which provides for a composition as described herein. Thepressure is generally at least about atmospheric and at most about 100pounds per square inch absolute (psia), preferably about atmospheric.The time period of contacting can be any time period capable ofproviding for a composition as described herein. The time period ofcontacting is generally at least about 0.1 minute and at most about 60minutes, preferably at least about 0.1 minute and at most about 30minutes.

A process of providing a composition of the present invention canfurther comprise contacting with an additional component comprisingisopropyl alcohol. Generally, the isopropyl alcohol has a purity of atleast about 95 percent, preferably at least about 98 percent, and morepreferably at least about 99 percent.

In addition to, or in lieu of, contacting with isopropyl alcohol, aprocess of the present invention can further comprise contacting withone or more components selected from the group consisting of potassiummonopersulfate, silver, acids, esters, alcohols, alpha hydroxy acids,beta hydroxy acids, and the like and combinations thereof. Examples ofsuitable esters include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated esters andthe like and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable acids include,but are not limited to, acetic, sulfuric, formic, peroxyacetic, and thelike and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable alpha hydroxy andbeta hydroxy acids include, but are not limited to, citric, lactic,maleic, and the like and combinations thereof.

Such additional component(s) can be added in any amount(s) as long assuch amount(s) provides a composition effective in reducing theconcentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant froman environment as described herein. Generally, when such additionalcomponent(s) is present, such additional component(s) is present in anamount of at least about 0.1 weight percent based on the total weight ofthe final composition and at most about 20 weight percent based on thetotal weight of the final composition, preferably in an amount of atleast about 0.1 weight percent based on the total weight of the finalcomposition and at most about 10 weight percent based on the totalweight of the final composition, and more preferably in an amount of atleast about 0.1 weight percent based on the total weight of the finalcomposition and at most about 5 weight percent based on the total weightof the final composition.

A preferred method of preparing a composition of the present inventioncomprises mixing a 35 weight percent solution of hydrogen peroxide inwater with a stabilizing amount of low solids water comprising less thanabout 1 ppm dissolved solids to thereby provide a resulting mixturecomprising about 80 weight percent low solids water and the restcomprising the hydrogen peroxide solution. The resulting mixture is thencontacted with a 5 weight percent glycolic acid solution prepared bycontacting a 70 weight percent glycolic acid solution with low solidswater comprising less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids to provide acomposition having a pH of about 1.9 to about 3.5. Such composition isparticularly suitable for use in reducing the concentration of,preferably removing or dissolving, calcium and starch glues and organicsubstances and mineral residue typically found in corrugated boxmanufacturing and printing and flexography processes.

Another preferred method of preparing a composition of the presentinvention comprises mixing a 35 weight percent solution of hydrogenperoxide in water with a stabilizing amount of low solids watercomprising less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids to thereby provide aresulting mixture comprising about 43 weight percent low solids waterand the rest comprising the hydrogen peroxide solution. The resultingmixture is then contacted with a 5 weight percent glycolic acid solutionprepared by contacting a 70 weight percent glycolic acid solution withlow solids water comprising less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids toprovide a composition having a pH of about 1.9 to about 3.5. Suchresulting composition is particularly suitable for use in reducing theconcentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, contaminantstypically found in water-containing systems.

An additional preferred process of preparing such composition is tofurther contact the resulting composition with isopropyl alcohol havinga purity of about 99 percent in an amount to provide a resultingcomposition containing such isopropyl alcohol in an amount of about 5weight percent based on the total weight of the final composition.

A composition of the present invention generally has a pH of at leastabout 1.5 and at most about 4.5, preferably at least about 1.7 and atmost about 4, and more preferably at least about 1.9 and at most about3.8.

A composition of the present invention generally has a specific gravityof at least about 1.0 and at most about 1.5, preferably at least about1.1 and at most about 1.4, more preferably at least about 1.3 and atmost about 1.4, and most preferably about 1.35.

While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that acomposition of the present invention comprises a molecule containing twocarbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and four oxygen atoms. It is furtherbelieved that two of the four hydrogen atoms and two of the four oxygenatoms are present as hydroxyl groups (OH).

A composition of the present invention prepared by a process of thepresent invention described herein can be utilized to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, a wide array ofcontaminants from a wide array of environments. Such process generallycomprises contacting such contaminant(s) with a concentration of acomposition of the present invention, prepared according to a process asdescribed herein, in a concentration effective in reducing theconcentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, such contaminant(s)from such environment. Examples of suitable contaminants include, butare not limited to, elements of Groups of the Periodic Table of theElements (also referred to as Group II elements, Group III elements,Group IV elements, Group V elements, Group VI elements, Group VIIelements, and Group VIII elements), algae, fungi, bacteria, surfactants,natural gums, synthetic gums, organic compounds, paper fibers, paperfilters, clays, sulfites, sulfates, oxides, adhesives, starches, and thelike and combinations thereof.

Examples of a suitable environment include, but are not limited to,water-containing systems, paper producing systems, pulp producingsystems, printing systems, packaging systems, flexographic systems, foodprocessing systems, bleaching systems, metallurgy systems, acid washingsystems, veterinary product systems, pesticide systems, meat processingsystems, poultry processing systems, dairy processing systems,sanitizing systems, and the like and combinations thereof. The term“system” refers to any method, process, apparatus, components, and thelike and combinations thereof related in any way or manner to thedisclosed type of system. For example, the term “water-containingsystems” refers to any method, process, apparatus, components, and thelike and combinations thereof known in the art related in any way ormanner to water containing or containment. Also for example, the term“food processing systems” refers to any method, process, apparatus,components, and the like and combinations thereof known in the artrelated in any way or manner to food processing. Also for example, theterm “printing systems” refers to any method, process, apparatus,components, and the like and combinations thereof known in the artrelated in any way or manner to printing.

Examples of suitable water-containing systems include, but are notlimited to, swimming pools, water treating systems, drainage systems,boiler systems, chiller systems, sewage treating systems, irrigationsystems, agricultural systems, cooling tower systems, and the like andcombinations thereof.

A composition of the present invention can be contacted with one or morecontaminants as described herein by any suitable means and under anysuitable conditions which are effective in reducing the concentrationof, preferably removing or dissolving, such contaminants from anenvironment. The contacting condition, also referred to as thecontaminant contacting condition, which comprises a concentration of acomposition as described herein, a contacting temperature, a contactingpressure, and a contacting time period can be any contacting conditioneffective in reducing the concentration of, preferably removing ordissolving, a contaminant from an environment as described herein. Thecontacting condition will generally depend on the type and concentrationof contaminant and type of environment. For example, the contactingcondition will generally have an increased composition concentration,temperature, pressure, and time period when the concentration of one ormore contaminants is increased compared to the contacting conditionnecessary when such contaminants are present in a reduced concentration.For example, when a composition of the present invention is used as aswimming pool shock treatment to help initially reduce the concentrationof, preferably remove or dissolve, a contaminant, the compositionconcentration will be significantly increased and the time perioddecreased compared to when a composition of the present invention isused to maintain the reduction in concentration of contaminants in suchswimming pool over, for example, a thirty day period. Selecting theproper contacting condition based on the concentration of contaminantswithin an environment is within the skill in the art.

When the environment comprises a liquid medium, such as thewater-containing systems described herein, the concentration ofcomposition is generally at least about 0.1 part composition by volumeper million parts environment (ppmv) and at most about 25 volumepercent, preferably at least about 0.5 ppmv and at most about 20 volumepercent, and more preferably at least about 1 ppmv and at most about 15volume percent. When the environment does not comprise a liquid medium,such as when the composition is applied directly to a contaminant, theconcentration of composition is generally at least about 0.1 partcomposition by weight per million parts environment (ppm) and at mostabout 20 weight percent, preferably at least about 0.5 ppm and at mostabout 10 weight percent, and more preferably at least about 1 ppm and atmost about 5 weight percent.

Generally, the contacting temperature, also referred to as thecontaminant contacting temperature, is at least about 50° F. and at mostabout 200° F., preferably at least about 70° F. and at most about 150°F. The contacting pressure, also referred to as the contaminantcontacting pressure, is generally at least about atmospheric and at mostabout 100 pounds per square inch absolute (psia), preferably aboutatmospheric. The contacting time, also referred to as the contaminantcontacting time, is generally at least about 0.1 minute and at mostabout is 30 days, preferably at least about 0.5 minute and at most about20 days, and more preferably at least about 1 minute and at most about10 days.

Examples of suitable uses of a composition of the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to, the following.

A composition of the present invention can be used as a descalant,biocide, slimicide, flocculant, and the like and combinations thereof toreduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, scale,algae, and the like and combinations thereof from machinery andapparatus used to produce paper and pulp.

A composition of the present invention can be used as a descalant,biocide and/or algaecide to reduce the concentration of, preferablyremove or dissolve, various contaminants from water-containing systemsused in the printing industry. For example, a composition of the presentinvention can be used as a calcium and surfactant remover to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, calcium, dissolvedminerals, surfactants, bacteria, and the like and combinations thereoffrom the lines and tanks of water-containing systems used in theprinting industries, packaging industries, and the like and combinationsthereof. Also for example, a composition of the present invention can beused to reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve,various surfactants, natural gums, calcium carbonate, polymer-containingresidue, and the like and combinations thereof from lithographic platesurfaces. A composition of the present invention can also be used as arubber roller rinse to reduce the concentration of, preferably remove ordissolve, organic contaminants, water-based contaminants, and liquidmetal precipitants including, but not limited to, paper fiber, paperfillers, clay coatings, sulfites, sulfates, titanium dioxide, chromium,barium, calcium carbonate, and the like and combinations thereof. Thereduction in concentration, preferably the removing or dissolving, ofthese contaminants results in improved consistency of ink transfer andaids in restricting the neutralization of acid fountain chemistriescommonly used in lithography and lithographic processes.

A composition of the present invention can be used for reducing theconcentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant suchas scale, algae, fungi, bacteria, minerals, and the like andcombinations thereof from water-containing systems such as water tanks,water lines, pumps, and the like and combinations thereof. Suchcontaminants are known to exist in such water-containing systemscommonly utilized in the printing and paper industries and the likebecause of the high contact rate with paper products which contain mold,fungi spores and bacteria which are commonly found in the wood used toproduce such paper products.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, an adhesive. In variousprocesses, such as the process of manufacturing corrugated boxes andpackaging, glues and adhesives containing organic compounds and starchesare commonly used. A composition of the present invention can becontacted, such as by spraying, with such glues and adhesives and, aftera time period effective for allowing a composition of the presentinvention to penetrate such glues and adhesives, can thus provide foreasy removal of such glues and adhesives.

A composition of the present invention can be used to treat aniloxrolls, particularly the cells contained by, or within, such aniloxrolls, commonly found in flexographic situations. Anilox rolls commonlyutilized in flexographic situations commonly contain organic substancesof microscopic size found in various concentrations. There are variousmethods of applying various compositions to remove such substances whichinclude spraying onto the surface being treated, mechanically applyingto the surface, immersion treating, and the like and combinationsthereof. Utilizing a composition of the present invention provides animprovement over existing technologies of cleaning anilox rolls whichare currently being used such as baking soda blasting, ultra-soniccleaning, and utilizing chemicals of high alkalinity concentration.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminantscommonly found in food processing and food packaging environments andthe like.

A composition of the present invention can be used in waste sludgetreatment processes to help break down solids and provide biocideeffects.

A composition of the present invention can be used as an industrialbiocide treatment to kill various fungi such as the bottrus fungi, moldor bacteria.

A composition of the present invention can be used to enhance thebleaching processes commonly found in the textile industries, paper andpulp industries, and the like and combinations thereof.

A composition of the present invention can be used to enhance theeffectiveness of known descalants, slimicides, antimicrobials, and thelike and combinations thereof.

A composition of the present invention can be used in fish farming andagricultural processes as a pesticide for killing microorganisms and/orparasites, including bacteria and fungi, found to exist within suchprocesses. Such agricultural processes include, but are not limited to,agricultural rendering and growing, including various related holdingareas which can contain such bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminantscommonly found in meat, poultry, and dairy rendering and processingfacilities.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminantscommonly found in metallurgy processes involving copper or other metals.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminantscommonly found in processes comprising the acid-washing of concrete.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminantscommonly found in processes to produce veterinary products.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminantscommonly found in beer processing systems, wine processing systems, andthe like such as removing contaminants from various vats.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminantsfrom the surfaces of automobiles such as removing bug and tar residuefrom an external surface, e.g., a bumper, of a car or truck.

A composition of the present invention can be used as an additive invarious products used in the cosmetic industry such as face-peelproducts.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, contaminants such ascalcium-based and organic-based substances commonly found in the marineindustry such as from the external surfaces of ships.

Preferably, a composition of the present invention is used to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, contaminants fromprinting systems. A composition of the present invention can be used inaddition to, or preferably as an alternative to, various mechanicalmeans and the use of various solvents and/or various surfactants, suchas sodium hydroxide, to remove such contaminants.

Also preferred, a composition of the present invention is used as asanitizer, fungicide, algaecide, and the like and combinations thereofto reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve,contaminants from water-containing systems such as swimming pools, watergardens, and the like and combinations thereof. A composition of thepresent invention can be used in addition to, or preferably as analternative to, chlorine-based, or bromide-based, or biguianide-basedcompositions.

Also preferred, a composition of the present invention is used as asanitizer, fungicide, algaecide, and the like and combinations thereofto reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve,contaminants from water-containing systems commonly found in municipalwater treating systems, commercial drainage systems, industrial boilersystems, industrial chiller systems, cooling tower systems, and the likeand combinations thereof. A composition of the present invention can beused in addition to, or preferably as an alternative to, chlorine-based,or bromide-based, or biguianide-based compositions.

The following examples are presented to further illustrate thisinvention and are not to be construed as unduly limiting the scope ofthis invention.

EXAMPLE I

This example illustrates a preparation of a composition of the presentinvention.

A 55-gallon quantity of a composition of the present invention wasprepared by mixing 8.25 gallons of 35 weight percent hydrogen peroxidesolution (obtained from FMC Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., as a 35weight percent technical grade solution of hydrogen peroxide in water)with 34.675 gallons of low solids water comprising less than about 0.1ppm dissolved solids (obtained from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Tex., the lowsolids water had been produced by reverse osmosis) at room temperature(about 70° F.) and atmospheric pressure to thereby provide a resultingmixture. Total mixing time was about 15 minutes. The resulting mixturewas then contacted with 11.55 gallons of a 5 weight percent glycolicacid solution which had been prepared by contacting 0.825 gallons ofapproximately 70 weight percent glycolic acid solution (obtained fromDuPont Chemical, Wilmington, Del., as a 70 weight percent technicalgrade solution of glycolic acid in water) with 10.725 gallons of lowsolids water comprising less than about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids(obtained from PGT Inc., the low solids water had been produced byreverse osmosis) at room temperature (about 70° F.) and atmosphericpressure to thereby obtain about 55 gallons of a composition of thepresent invention referred to herein as “Composition A” having a pH ofabout 3.3.

EXAMPLE II

This example illustrates the use of a composition of the presentinvention (Composition A as described herein) to reduce theconcentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, calcium and/or starchglues and substances from corrugating equipment used in manufacturingcorrugated boxes.

Equipment was obtained from Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)located in Waco, Tex. and had been in use for several years. Asignificant amount of glue residue (color of such residue was adirty-white due to the glue drying to a semi-translucent appearance overtime) was observed. A significant concentration of glue residue waslocated on a cross-member of the adhesive application device of suchequipment about 10 inches under the glue applicator which applied theglue to the web paperboard to form a corrugated box sheet. The glueresidue level had accumulated to such an extent that production problemswere encountered. PCA had requested assistance from several chemicalcompanies to develop a product which would remove or allow removal ofthe glue residue. It is believed is that twenty unsuccessful attemptswere made by the various chemical vendor companies to do so. CompositionA was then applied directly to the glue residue using a trigger sprayerWithin about 5 minutes, the semi-translucent appearance of the glueresidue turned to a white color as such glue residue originally appeared(i.e., the appearance of the glue before it dried). Layer by layer theaccumulated glue residue turned white. Within about 20 minutes, thelayers of residue were all visibly re-hydrated and could be removed byhand by peeling each layer from the cross-member. When Composition Areached the bottom layer of residue which had been estimated as havinginitially formed over 20 years prior, such bottom layer was able to beremoved which enabled the equipment to be operated again. Overall,maintenance problems for the equipment based on glue residue wasminimized. Before the application of Composition A, the preferred andpossibly only means to remove this residue was with a hammer and chisel.The hammer and chisel were used to chisel the layers away from thecross-member section of the adhesive application device.

EXAMPLE III

This example illustrates another use of a composition of the presentinvention (Composition A as described herein) to remove organicsubstances and mineral residue from equipment such as anilox rolls usedin flexography processes.

Equipment utilizing anilox rolls was provided by Packaging Corporationof America (PCA) located in Waco, Tex. Such equipment had been used forseveral years. An inherent problem which exists in flexography processesis various contaminants have a tendency to accumulate and bond to smalllaser-etched cells within the anilox rolls. These cells supply water andsolvent-based flexography inks to the raised image photo-polymerprinting plate. After removal of excess flexography inks, there aremultiple procedures used to remove sealants and residue from the aniloxrolls. The anilox rolls of the PCA equipment had various mineral and inkcomponent deposits which could not be easily removed by previousmethods, such as baking soda blasting and using ultrasound equipment.

In a first method, Composition A was sprayed directly onto the surfaceof the anilox roll cells having a concentration of 145 cells per linearinch of anilox roll. The anilox roll was hydrated with Composition A andremained hydrated for about 5 minutes. Thereafter, a standardaqueous-based flexographic wash was used to rinse the contamination outof the cells. The application of Composition A appeared to decompose thebonded minerals and deposits, allowing such bonded minerals and depositsto be removed by washing with normal alkaline types of flexography wash.This process allowed for recovery of cell depth and cell volume of theanilox rolls. Composition A allowed for the anilox equipment to becleaned on press, without the costly purchase of cleaning equipment,which provided a reduction in down-time and capital expenditure costsfor PCA.

The second method of applying Composition A was by adding Composition Ato the flexography printing unit ink reservoir contacting the ink pump.The contact time was about five minutes followed by rinsing usingstandard aqueous-based flexographic wash a procedures. Previously,methods such as baking soda blasting and using ultrasound equipment wereutilized, but had only cleaned the surface of the anilox cells.Composition A performed better than such previous methods and opened thecells to a like-new condition.

EXAMPLE IV

This example illustrates another preparation of a composition of thepresent invention.

A 55-gallon quantity of a composition of the present invention wasprepared by mixing 18.15 gallons of a 35 weight percent hydrogenperoxide solution (obtained from FMC Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., asa 35 weight percent technical grade solution of hydrogen peroxide inwater) with 13.75 gallons of low solids water comprising less than about0.1 ppm dissolved solids (obtained from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Tex., thelow solids water had been produced by reverse osmosis) at roomtemperature (about 70° F.) and atmospheric pressure to thereby provide aresulting mixture. Total mixing time was about 15 minutes. The resultingmixture was then contacted with 23.1 gallons of a 5 weight percentglycolic acid solution which had been prepared by contacting 1.65gallons of 70 weight percent glycolic acid solution (obtained fromDuPont Chemical, Wilmington, Del., as a 70 weight percent technicalgrade solution of glycolic acid in water) with 21.45 gallons of lowsolids water comprising less than about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids(obtained from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Tex., the low solids water had beenproduced by reverse osmosis) at room temperature (about 70° F.) andatmospheric pressure to thereby obtain about 55 gallons of a compositionof the present invention referred to herein as “Composition B” having apH of about 2.2.

EXAMPLE V

This example illustrates a use of a composition of the present invention(Composition B as described herein) to remove residue and bacterialgrowth and fungi from a printing press fountain solution recirculatingsystem (a water-containing system).

A printing press was obtained from Rock Term Company, Waxahachie, Tex.,and contained a Man Roland fountain solution recirculating system, alsoreferred to as a dampening system, which comprised a blender, chiller,and recirculating unit containing an approximately 30 gallon reservoirwith a total capacity of 200 gallons of water. The equipment has beenused almost continuously for about 20 years. A significant amount ofmineral substance residue, such as mineral deposits consisting ofcalcium and lime deposits, and bacterial and fungi growth was observed,including hair algae, which were white, green, brown and various othercolors which are common to the industry. Various solvents had been usedin an attempt to remove the residue and growth before such residue hadaccumulated and caused production interruptions. Common industryproducts used for cleaning such printing press recirculating systemsincluded products comprising a mixture of sodium hydroxide, glycolethers, and various biocides, such as those sold by various chemicalmanufacturers, including Varn International (a worldwide chemicalmanufacturer which manufactures pressroom and printing chemicals anddistributes such products throughout the world).

However, use of such solvents was unsuccessful in removing the mineralresidue and bacterial and fungal growth. The mineral residue and growthhad accumulated to a point that such had become hardened within thewater lines and could not be removed. The lines had become plugged,making production difficult. An additional option of replacing the waterlines and/or flushing the water system with bleach would have been anoption, but the amount of water which would have to be consumed wouldhave amounted to thousands of gallons of water. In addition,production-related issues resulting from bleach residue would have beendifficult to alleviate, making the bleaching option undesirable andeconomically unfeasible.

A five-gallon quantity of Composition B described herein was suppliedfor the following procedure. Composition B was poured directly, inone-pint quantities, into each of the six water trays of therecirculating system. Upon contact of Composition B with the mineralresidue and bacterial and algae growth, it was observed that withinabout 15 to 30 seconds, water immediately began flowing in the returnline from the press back to the recirculating system indicating thatComposition B was removing the various contaminants. Then, the drain ofthe recirculating system became unplugged so that water could easilyflow. An additional four-gallon quantity of Composition B was then addeddirectly to the 30-gallon reservoir. Within about 15 to 30 seconds,water immediately began flowing in the return line from the press backto the reservoir indicating that Composition B was removing the variouscontaminants. It was observed that the substance being removed byComposition B contained paper dust, slime, fungus, algae, inkcomponents, and the like. About 35 gallons of such substance werecollected in an empty barrel. In about 30 minutes, about 200 gallons offresh water were passed through the water system to further help removethe debris and remains of dead algae and bacterial growth and mineralswhich had been dislodged and/or dissolved by Composition B.

The recirculating system was then recharged with a standard fountainsolution having a pH of about 3.8. The press was immediately placed intoproduction. Normal startup recovery time had previously been about 20 to25 printed sheets before production. After use of Composition B, startuprecovery time was about 2 to 3 sheets. It is believed that the betterstartup was because the pH of Composition B was at or near therecommended pH of the fountain solution. Before use of Composition B,products previously used comprised sodium hydroxide, glycol ethers andbiocides, with some of these products containing foaming agents oralkalines such as caustic soda. The residual pH left in the water systemafter using traditional cleaning products would normally be in a rangeof about 9 to about 10.5. Thus, since the pH of fountain solutions istypically in a range of about 3.8 to about 4.0 and since Composition Bhas a similar residual pH, use of Composition B provides a directbenefit to production ability, print quality, and reduction of watercosts.

EXAMPLE VI

This example illustrates a use of a composition of the present invention(Composition B as described herein) to remove a contaminant from aswimming pool.

The test site consisted of a swimming pool which contained 25,000gallons of water which was substantially free of chlorine and otherchemical substances. The swimming pool was rectangular in shape with ashallow end depth of approximately three feet and a deep end depth ofapproximately nine feet. The swimming pool had been covered and dormantfor about nine months. Before treatment, the water appeared blackish incolor and emitted a strong foul odor. The surface areas of the poolunder water were covered with a green algae growth which was about 1.5inches thick. The green algae growth appeared to cover an underlyinggray-colored algae-type substance. Due to the extensive algae growth,the bottom surface of the pool and the surfaces of the first and secondsteps of the pool were not visible. The filter media contained in theswimming pool filtration system was diametaceous earth. The pH of thewater was 7.2 and the temperature of the water was about 78° F.

A ten-gallon quantity of Composition B described herein was then addedto the pool by pouring Composition B at a steady rate into the pool froma plastic bucket while walking around the edges of the pool from theshallow to the deep end. After approximately twenty-five minutes, thecolor of the water turned to a light green “pea-soup” color. Debrisbegan to float to the top and such debris appeared to be large pieces ofthe green algae and gray-colored algae-type substance. The clarity ofthe water continued to improve. After approximately twenty-four hours,the water appeared to be somewhat cloudy or “milky” in to color. Thegreen algae and gray-colored algae-type substance appeared to have been“killed” with the remains of such algae appearing as a white skeletaldebris which covered the bottom of the pool with some of the debrisfloating on top. The pH of the pool was 6.8. A flocculent was then addedin an amount of about two fluid quarts to aid in the removal of thefloating debris. After approximately seventy-two hours from the additionof Composition B, the bottom of the pool was vacuumed and the vacuumeddebris was exhausted into an area next is to the pool. The pH of thepool was 6.8. Tap water was then added to the pool until the pH of thepool water was 7.0.

The pool water remained uncovered, dormant, and was not circulated fortwo weeks. After the two-week period, the dissolved oxygen (DO) was 106parts per million (ppm), the water appeared to very clear (the bottomsurface of the deep end was visible), and the pump used to circulate thepool water was started and set to circulate the pool water for two hourseach day. One week later (three weeks total time from the addition ofComposition B), which included a two-inch rain, the DO was 98 ppm. Afterone more week (four weeks total time from the addition of CompositionB), the DO was 44 ppm. The water was still clear, but several smallareas of green algae growth on the surface areas of the pool underwaterwere observed.

A 2.5 gallon “maintenance dose” of Composition B described herein wasthen added to the pool by pouring from a plastic bucket at one end ofthe pool After adding, the DO was 100 ppm (which was the desiredreading) and the pH was 7.4. The pool was then maintained at a dosagerate of 2.5 gallons of Composition B added every two weeks.

a EXAMPLE VII

This example demonstrates the effect of various increases inconcentration of a composition of the present invention.

Two test sites (1 and 2) were utilized to determine the toxicity of acomposition of the present invention. Test site 1 consisted of anoutdoor water garden comprising a circular-shaped fiberglass molded tankhaving a diameter of about 5 feet and which contained approximately 500gallons of water. The tank also contained soil, rock, several bricks,and 36 minnows. The water was foul-smelling and black in color. Asubstance which appeared to be a black mold or algae covered the soiland rocks at the bottom of the tank.

An eight fluid ounce quantity of Composition B described herein was thenadded to the tank by pouring Composition B directly from a plasticbottle into the water at one end of the tank. The temperature of thewater during addition was about 78° F. Upon addition, the waterimmediately began to bubble. The bubbling began on one end of the tankand proceeded to the other end of the tank within about 15 minutes.After 24 hours had elapsed, the water appeared to be clear and thebricks and rock contained within the tank were completely visible andwere no longer covered with the black mold or algae. The minnowsappeared to be unaffected by the addition of Composition B. Skeletaldebris appeared to cover the bottom of the tank. A pH reading anddissolved oxygen reading were not obtained. Based on the observations, arecommended dosage rate of eight ounces of Composition B applied everytwo to three weeks was developed.

Test site 2 consisted of a standard 29-gallon aquarium containing sixgallons of crushed coral gravel. To such aquarium was charged 29 gallonsof reverse osmosis treated water. The pH was 8.0. The growth medium usedin the tank included a General Electric brand Gro-Lite bulb (which had aUV spectrum similar to sunlight) and TETRA-MIN tropical fish food. Thewater was allowed to cycle through the aquarium for about five dayswithout the addition of any chemicals, live fish, or plants. After fivedays, twenty-four small bait shop minnows were added to the water andleft alone for about two days (about 48 hours). Then, Composition B wasadded in an amount of 100 parts Composition B by weight per millionparts water (i.e., 100 ppm). About thirty minutes after such addition,the dissolved oxygen level was 106 ppm.

After twenty-four hours, the dissolved oxygen level was about 44 ppm andan additional 200 ppm amount of Composition B was added. After thirtyminutes, the dissolved oxygen was about 210 ppm. The minnows wereobserved to be swimming near the bottom of the tank. After an additionaltwenty-four hours, the dissolved oxygen was 86 ppm. An additional 500ppm amount of Composition B was then added. Thereafter, a reading forthe dissolved oxygen could not be obtained because the dissolved oxygenwas so high that the titration medium being used (sodium thiosulfate)kept turning black which prevented an accurate dissolved oxygen readingfrom being obtained. Even after six hours had passed and over 600 ppm ofsodium thiosulfate had been used, a dissolved oxygen reading still couldnot be obtained.

No additional chemicals were added to the tank for a period of fourdays. After ten days had passed from the initial application ofComposition B, the fish present in the tank began to expire at a rate ofabout one fish per day over the next two weeks. The scales of aboutthree of the fish appeared to be expanded away from the bodies of suchfish. After four weeks had passed since the initial application ofComposition B to the tank, the water was still very clear and free ofalgae growth. The dissolved oxygen was 44 ppm.

The results shown in the above examples clearly demonstrate that thepresent invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attainthe ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein.

Reasonable variations, modifications, and adaptations can be made withinthe scope of the disclosure and the appended claims without departingfrom the scope of this invention.

1-59. (canceled)
 60. A process for producing a composition comprising:(a) selecting a hydrogen peroxide solution, wherein the hydrogenperoxide solution comprises only of (1) hydrogen peroxide and water or(2) hydrogen peroxide, water, and isopropyl alcohol; (b) preparing asecond glycolic acid solution by mixing a glycolic acid first solutionwith a second low solids water, wherein (i) the first solution is (1)glycolic acid or (2) glycolic acid and water, (ii) the second low solidswater comprises less than 10 ppm dissolved solids, (iii) the weightpercent of the glycolic acid in the glycolic acid solution is between 1%and 10% by weight, and (iv) the glycolic acid solution consists only of(1) the glycolic acid and the water, or (2) glycolic acid, the water,and isopropyl alcohol; and (c) mixing the hydrogen peroxide solution andthe glycolic acid solution to form the composition.
 61. The method ofclaim 60, wherein the weight percent of the glycolic acid in theglycolic acid solution is between 1% and 5%.
 62. The method of claim 60,wherein the ratio of the hydrogen peroxide solution with the glycolicacid solution is an amount such that weight ratio of the hydrogenperoxide in the hydrogen peroxide solution and the glycolic acid in theglycolic acid solution is between about 1:1 and 30:1.
 63. The method ofclaim 60, wherein the ratio of the hydrogen peroxide solution with theglycolic acid solution is an amount such that weight ratio of thehydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxide solution and the glycolicacid in the glycolic acid solution is between about 2:1 and 6:1.
 64. Themethod of claim 60, wherein the hydrogen peroxide solution comprises 35%by weight hydrogen peroxide.
 65. The method of claim 60, wherein theweight percent of the hydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxidesolution is between 8 and 36%.
 66. The method of claim 60, wherein theweight percent of the hydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxidesolution is between 0.1 and 20%.
 67. The method of claim 60, wherein thefirst solution comprises 70% by weight glycolic acid.
 68. The method ofclaim 60, wherein (a) the hydrogen peroxide solution consists only ofthe hydrogen peroxide and the water, and (b) the glycolic acid solutionconsists only of the glycolic acid and the water.
 69. The method ofclaim 60, wherein the composition is formed from only the hydrogenperoxide, the glycolic acid, and the water, wherein the water comprisesthe low solids water.
 70. The method of claim 60, wherein (a) the lowsolids water comprises less than 0.1 ppm dissolved solids.
 71. Themethod of claim 60, wherein (a) the hydrogen peroxide solution comprises35% by weight of the hydrogen peroxide; (b) the first solution comprises70% by weight glycolic acid; (c) the low solids water comprises lessthan 1 ppm dissolved solids; and (d) the glycolic acid solutioncomprises 5% by weight glycolic acid.
 72. A method comprising: (a)selecting a composition prepared by the process comprising (i) selectinga hydrogen peroxide solution wherein the hydrogen peroxide solutioncomprises only of (1) hydrogen peroxide and water or (2) hydrogenperoxide, water, and isopropyl alcohol; (ii) preparing a glycolic acidsolution by mixing a first solution with a low solids water, wherein (1)the first solution is (A) glycolic acid or (B) glycolic acid and water,(2) the low solids water comprises less than 10 ppm dissolved solids,(3) the weight percent of the glycolic acid in the glycolic acidsolution is between 1% and 10% by weight, and (4) the glycolic acidsolution consists only of (A) the glycolic acid and the water or (B) theglycolic acid, the water, and isopropyl alcohol; and (iii) mixing thehydrogen peroxide solution and the glycolic acid solution to form thecomposition; (b) utilizing the composition in an system havingcontaminant, wherein the composition contacts at least some of thecontaminant during the utilization of the composition; and (c) treatingat least some of the contaminant in the system due to the contact of thecomposition and the contaminant.
 73. The method of claim 72, wherein theweight percent of the glycolic acid in the glycolic acid solution isbetween 1% and 5%.
 74. The method of claim 72, wherein the ratio of thehydrogen peroxide solution with the glycolic acid solution is an amountsuch that weight ratio of the hydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxidesolution and the glycolic acid in the glycolic acid solution is betweenabout 1:1 and 30:1.
 75. The method of claim 72, wherein the ratio of thehydrogen peroxide solution with the glycolic acid solution is an amountsuch that weight ratio of the hydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxidesolution and the glycolic acid in the glycolic acid solution is betweenabout 2:1 and 6:1.
 76. The method of claim 72, wherein the system isselected from the group consisting of boiler systems, chiller systems,cooling tower systems, and combinations thereof.
 77. The method of claim72, wherein the system is an agricultural system.
 78. The method ofclaim 76, wherein the agricultural system is selected from the groupconsisting of (i) an agricultural growing process and (ii) a systemcomprising a holding area, wherein the contaminant is treated, at leastin part, in the holding area.
 79. The method of claim 72, wherein thesystem is selected from the group consisting of paper producing systems,pulp producing systems, and combinations thereof.